Councillor injured after bottle attack by campaign manager

Councillor injured after bottle attack by campaign manager

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By Lindie Whiz

BRIGHTON Chirongwe, a councillor for Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party in the satellite town of Chitungwiza was hit on the head with an empty beer bottle by his election campaign manager during a row over payment, a court heard.

Chirongwe has filed an assault charge against Jeremiah Tandi after the incident on July 8 this month.

Defending the action before a Chitungwiza magistrate, Tandi admitted the attack on Chirongwe but said he had been frustrated after the councillor failed to honour his pre-election promises ahead of the 2005 council elections.

Tandi said Chirongwe had promised him a cash payment and a residential stand in Chitungwiza if he won the election, which he did.

Tandi revealed that he worked as a driver and campaign manager during the period, but was yet to get his payment.

He said he was bitter at how Chirongwe just “sucked and dumped” him.

He also told the court that Chirongwe bit him on the nose upon realising that he had been overpowered in the fight.

The incident happened on July 8 this year at around 8pm at Chirongwe’s house in Unit K, Seke.

A complaint by Chirongwe said Tandi arrived at his house, snatched the car keys and walked off.

On his return a few minutes later, Chirongwe asked for his keys, but Tandi refused resulting in a heated argument that later turned violent.

At the height of the fight, Tandi picked up an empty beer bottle and struck Chirongwe in the head inflicting injuries.

Chirongwe bled profusely before he was rushed to Chitungwiza Hospital for treatment.

A medical affidavit was compiled by a doctor confirming the injuries were consistent with being struck by an empty bottle.

A magistrate will rule on the matter this week.
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